In this raw and honest episode of Call with Dads, E.a. Maynard and Dad Mode Activated open up about their own past struggles with partying, poor choices, and “shiny objects” that once distracted them. They discuss how fathers can actively guide their children away from harmful temptations, build real trust, balance firm discipline with love, and break negative cycles. Packed with practical parenting wisdom, personal redemption stories, and actionable advice every dad can use.
Summary of the Discussion: https://callwithdads.com/why-dads-must-steer-their-kids-away-from-the-shiny-objects-hard-won-lessons-from-two-real-fathers/
Hosts
E.a. Maynard
Dad Mode Activated
Resources Mentioned
The Andy Griffith Show – The “shiny object” lesson with Andy and Opie
Call with Dads website & merchandise
Dad Mode Activated YouTube channel & Instagram
Connect With Us
Dad Mode Activated: YouTube & Instagram @dadmodeactivated
E.a. Maynard / Call with Dads: YouTube, callwithdads.com
Have a question for the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site!
In this raw, late-night episode of Call With Dads, Eric A. Maynard and Tom (EarnHerRespect) discuss one of the most important — yet challenging — lessons in fatherhood: understanding that there’s a right time for everything. From roughhousing with boys… Continue Reading →
In a classic Andy Griffith Show episode, Andy tells a drifter that he won’t let his son Opie choose between a stable life and the hobo’s carefree but destructive one. Kids, Andy explains, will always reach for the shiny object…. Continue Reading →
Monday nights at 10 PM hit different. The kids are (mostly) in bed, the house is finally quiet, and the raw conversations flow a little easier. That’s exactly what happened when Tom from EarnHerRespect and I sat down to talk… Continue Reading →
Episode Summary
In this heartfelt episode of Call with Dads, E.a. and Dad dive deep into what it really takes to build meaningful, lasting connections with your kids. From single fatherhood challenges to the power of presence, authenticity, and sharing wisdom instead of just knowledge, this conversation is packed with practical insights every dad can use.
Summary of the Discussion:
https://callwithdads.com/building-real-connections-with-your-kids-lessons-from-a-dad-to-dad-conversation/
Hosts
E.a. Maynard
DadModeActivated
Resources Mentioned
Synthesis Tutor & Legends educational apps
Classic family movies and shows: Family Matters, Scooby-Doo, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, older Disney films, Clifford the Big Red Dog, The Pink Panther
Music: Elvis, Mary Poppins
Books / Curriculum: The Tuttle Twins
Call with Dads website and live episodes every Monday at 10:00 AM
Connect With Us
Follow the show and join the conversation:
Website: CallWithDads.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CallWithDads
Instagram / Facebook / X: @CallWithDads
Have a question for the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site!
Fatherhood moves fast. Between work, responsibilities, and the daily grind, it’s easy to feel like you’re providing for your kids but not truly connecting with them. In a recent episode of Call with Dads, two fathers sat down for an… Continue Reading →
In this powerful episode, E.A. Maynard and Tom (EarnHerRespect) dive deep into what it truly means to be a strong, present father in today’s world. From handling emotional meltdowns and setting firm boundaries to rejecting weak “please culture” parenting, the conversation explores masculine leadership, generational parenting shifts, and the vital importance of faith in building unbreakable family foundations.
Summary of the Discussion:
https://callwithdads.com/be-the-rock-your-family-needs-lessons-on-fatherhood-discipline-and-masculine-leadership/
Hosts
E.A. Maynard & Tom (EarnHerRespect)
Resources Mentioned
1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”
1 Peter 3 (Wives and Husbands section)
Pastor Joby Martin Sermon
Pastor Ron (upcoming guest)
Media examples: Peppa Pig, Bluey, Married with Children, Home Improvement, Little House on the Prairie
Connect With Us
Website: CallWithDads.com
YouTube, Instagram, Facebook: Search CallWithDads
X: @EarnHerRespect
Have a question for the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site!
In a world that often portrays fathers as bumbling sidekicks or optional extras, it’s time to reclaim our rightful place as the steady leaders of our homes. A recent conversation between E.A. Maynard and Tom (EarnHerRespect) on the Call with… Continue Reading →
In this candid and unfiltered episode of Call With Dads, hosts Eric Maynard and Mr. Pancakes are joined by BoyDadLife612 (Aaron) for a raw conversation about men’s mental health, with a special focus on fathers. Recorded live on February 25, 2026, the discussion dives into the unique pressures dads face—provider expectations, emotional suppression, declining testosterone, divorce impacts, isolation, and rising suicide risks—while sharing personal stories, societal critiques, and practical, no-nonsense advice. The guys emphasize self-reliance, real male friendships, lifestyle fixes, and knowing when to seek help, all while rejecting performative vulnerability or over-medicalization for everyday struggles.
Summary of the Discussion: https://callwithdads.com/the-hidden-pressures-on-dads/
Hosts
Eric Maynard: Co-host and father from rural Ohio roots, bringing a grounded, traditional perspective on “toughing it out” while acknowledging the value of trusted friends over constant therapy. He highlights how upbringing in “more cows than people” areas shapes men’s reluctance to open up.
Mr. Pancakes: Co-host and founder of PancakesWithYourDad.com, delivering straightforward, sometimes blunt takes on masculinity, responsibility, and avoiding “whining” solutions. He advocates for basics like fitness, hobbies, church, and male fellowship first, while being clear that severe crises (like suicidal thoughts) warrant professional intervention.
BoyDadLife612 (Aaron): A single dad and military veteran who opens up about his battles with trauma, near-suicidal lows during divorce, and finding strength through self-awareness, therapy tools (for crisis moments), faith, and fatherhood. He shares how becoming a dad transformed his identity and confidence, and stresses the importance of being a positive example for raising the next generation of men.
Resources Mentioned
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 (US) for immediate help if you’re in crisis or having suicidal thoughts.
Bible reading for wisdom — Proverbs and Ecclesiastes recommended for practical life guidance and direction.
Lifestyle fundamentals — Regular exercise, clean eating, getting outside, building hobbies/sports teams, and avoiding pornography as a coping mechanism.
Faith and community — Church or male fellowship groups as alternatives to isolation.
General support — Reach out to trusted friends, the hosts via social media, or dad communities for non-professional venting and accountability.
Connect With Us
Website: callwithdads.com (episodes, shop, contact)
Follow on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X, and more via callwithdads.com
Mr. Pancakes: PancakesWithYourDad.com (shop, socials)
BoyDadLife612: Instagram & YouTube @BoyDadLife612
Have a question for the hosts? Drop it below or hit us up via the site!
This episode is a must-listen for any dad feeling the weight of unspoken stress—reminding us that strength includes knowing when (and how) to address the fight inside.
Fathers often internalize the role of protector and provider. As one speaker noted, “something in our brains tell us we have to be strong enough to take care of the family, shut up, move forward.” Instead of openly expressing emotions,… Continue Reading →
